Bible Dictionaries
Hazael

Holman Bible Dictionary

(haz' ay ehl) Personal name meaning, “El (a god) is seeing.” A powerful and ruthless king of the Syrian city-state of Damascus during the last half of the eighth century B.C. While an officer of Ben-hadad, king of Syria, Hazael was sent to Elisha the prophet to inquire about the king's health (2 Kings 8:7-15 ). Elisha prophesied Hazael's future kingship and his cruel treatment of Israel. Hazael returned to his master, murdered him, and became king of Syria in 841 B.C. These events had also been forecast by the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 19:15-17 ). Soon after becoming king of Syria, Hazael joined in combat against both Ahaziah, king of Judah, and Joram, king of Israel (2 Kings 8:28-29; 2 Kings 9:14-15 ). He eventually extended his rule into both the Northern Kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 10:32-33; 2 Kings 13:1-9 , 2 Kings 13:22 ) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 12:17-18; 2 Chronicles 24:23-24 ). He was prevented from capturing the holy city of Jerusalem only by being allowed to carry off everything that was portable and of value in the city and the Temple. The memory of Syria's ruthless power under Hazael was etched in Israel's memory. Half a century later, Amos used his name as a symbol of Syria's oppression that would be judged by God (Amos 1:4 ). See Damascus; Syria .

Daniel B. McGee